7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
Toilets are a typical household fixture that we all regularly use. There’s a tendency to accept its convenience for granted, however it’s important to remember that it’s no garbage can. There are certain things that should never ever be flushed away down the toilet since they can cause blockage from the pipes or damage in sewer lines.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things into the toilet because they can cause blockages in the drain, or cause the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items you shouldn’t flush down the toilet include:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Cooking grease and oil
- Female hygiene products (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Flushing any of these items will ultimately lead to blockages in drains or damaged pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system, which will result in an expense that is unimaginable to you.
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Seven household objects that you should never flush in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes may seem convenient however they don’t dissolve like toilet paper and could clog pipes. Dispose of them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet could cause blockages in both the plumbing in your home and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil should be put in a container and thrown away in the trash, as they can harden and cause obstructions in your drains, or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are typically advertised by their name as "flushable, " but flushing them is not likely to cause issues later on when they combine with other items to cause a terrible obstruction.
5. Medicines
It is not recommended to flush medications into the toilet as they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is made to be tough, which means it won’t fall apart in water, causing potential blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
In contrast to toilet paper, Paper towels have a thicker weave that will make them less likely to degrade quickly after being they are wet. This means that they will not quickly cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of these seven items will ultimately lead to blocked drains or damaged pipes within your plumbing system which can result in an unexpected price to you. Be aware of the things you pour down your toilet.
| Item | Reason for not Flushing |
|---|---|
| Baby wipes | Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead. |
| Condoms | Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants. |
| Cooking grease and oil | Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes. |
| Feminine hygiene products | Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable". |
| Medications | Can contaminate our water sources. |
| Dental floss | Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes. |
| Paper towels | Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper. |
FAQs
Can flushing feminine hygiene products really damage my pipes?
Yes. Female hygiene products don’t break down in water and could cause blockages in your pipes or sewer system.
Are flushable wipes really flushable?
Yes, many "flushable" wipes do not disintegrate easily and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Do I have to use baby wipes to flush them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet as they do not dissolve quickly and could cause blockages.
Are paper towels suitable to flush?
No. Paper towels are thicker than toilet paper, and they don’t break down so easily, resulting in the possibility of clogging the plumbing system.
What about medications? Can I flush them into the toilet?
No. Medical treatments can cause a contamination of our waterways. Therefore, it’s crucial to dispose of them properly by taking the containers to an appropriate drop-off point.
If you find yourself dealing with a blocked drain do not hesitate to contact our professional plumbing service by calling Blocked Drains Plumbers Sydney . We offer services to clear blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection as well as pipe relining services to make sure your home is not impacted by drain issues. Call us today to schedule an appointment.
Additional Information
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains and Their Simple Solutions
- Say farewell to blocked drains with the best solutions
- The Top Causes of Blocked Drains You Need to Know
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- Effortless Ways to Unclog a Blocked Drain: Tips and Tricks
- The Ultimate Guide to Pipe Relining: How to Select the Perfect Material
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Save You Money in the Long Run
- The Benefits of Using CCTV Drain Inspection for Pipe Relining Services
- Dealing with Blocked Drains: Plumbing Tips & Solutions
- Say Goodbye to Blocked Drains: A Decade of Proactive Steps for Your Home
